UPDATE 1-Woolworths names Steve Johnson as CEO

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Aug 12 (Reuters) - British retailer Woolworths Group Plc WLW.L said it has appointed Steve Johnson as chief executive with effect from Sept. 1.

Johnson was the chief executive of retailer Focus DIY for four years up to July 2007 and before that he worked for GUS and Asda.

"With his strong background in both retail and consultancy, together with his particular experience in achieving a turnaround at Focus, he brings the strategic and operational skills that the group needs to help it move to the next stage of its development," said Woolworths chairman Richard North.

Woolworths has long been squeezed by price competition from the supermarkets and internet retailers. (Reporting by Ramkumar; Editing by Paul Bolding)